Cue the Champion: Semifinals 3
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
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Script
Pool Club
As your opponent's last ball falls into the pocket, this semi-final game creates a tough scenario for you and Artem.
After entering the knockout stage, this is the first time your score has fallen behind by such a large margin.
Although the strategy you and Artem came up with afforded you some advantages in this match, you still fail to turn the tables on your opponents.
You: (With our current score, we'll miss the finals if we lose another game...)
You subconsciously look up and see Artem leaning against the edge of the table. He is applying cue chalk like it's second nature, staring at the table with a serious expression.
You: (Artem is probably still reviewing the game. I shouldn't disturb him yet.)
Artem: ...
Standing silently behind him, you wait until Artem finishes thinking, puts down the chalk, and turns around.
Artem: You...
Perhaps not expecting to see you right behind him, a trace of astonishment flashes in Artem's eyes. He then quickly becomes more relaxed.
Artem: Why are you standing there?
You: Waiting for you, of course!
You stand on your tiptoes and raise your hand to gently smooth the last crease lingering between his eyebrows.
You: So, have you thought of a way to deal with our predicament?
Artem: I do have some new ideas, but before that, I want to hear your thoughts.
You: My thoughts?
You: It just so happens that I have a plan to tell you about!
You briefly explain the strategy you just came up with to Artem. Thanks to the mutual understanding you two have built up over time, Artem quickly understands what you mean.
You: Basically, they've obviously analyzed your playstyle carefully, but they didn't pay any attention to me. So my plays will be difficult to predict.
You: Like you said before, my style can easily cause some strategies to fall apart.
You: Maybe I'm your "secret weapon"!
Artem: ...!
Artem: Actually, my new idea was also to use you as the key to turn the tide.
Artem can't stop smiling at the fact that you two had the same idea again. He lifts his hand to smooth the strands of hair hanging down in front of your forehead.
Artem: There's no "maybe." You are my "secret weapon."
Artem: And you always have been.
His fingers leave your hair and brush against the side of your face in one fell swoop. It's like he is soothing the last traces of unease and anxiety in your heart.
Artem: It's all up to you now.
You: In that case, rest assured, Coach Wing. Leave it to me!
Summary
